Christmas Gifts with thought (and less plastic)

THE NO CRAPOLA GIFT GUIDE

I was hesitant to put together a list of all the things to spend your money on in the next few weeks, as it has felt more and more like a time of creating more stuff that we just don’t need. Without going all Grinchy Humbug Scrooge on you all, I adore Christmas and the food, the spectacles, the family hang time and of course giving and getting lovely presents, BUT, there is often so much total crap involved, massive amounts of wasted everything from trees, to paper, to food to plastic and beyond.

So, I have made a pledge this year, that I have already bored my family with:

Less presents, only useful, long-term, edible, or plastic free and nothing at all that will be in the bin a few weeks after the event. I’ve put a ban on the “fun” presents, the “joke” ones, that drown us all at Christmas, and that I’ve secretly always hated anyway.

But this doesn’t mean less fun or love or happiness at all. Just more thought.

So there will be more useful stuff you need, DIY, creative ideas, eco luxe picks, clean skin treats, things to do, and then make like chocolates and oils and gins for example and less neon plastic stuff.

And I’ve tried to pick as many as I can from small independent businesses that will love your order.

TOP TEN BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS

For you, for him and for the smalls, all the very best books of this year that need to go in your stocking and under that tree.

Reading was definitely my first great love, and my favourite part of Christmas morning was feeling the heavy weight of the books that had spilled out of my stocking. I would read these and leave the presents (hoard) until much later.

So when it comes to presents I always make sure there is a large sprinkling of reading material in there. A big heavy hardback or a lovely little story for the children, they make the best presents for everyone. And once they’re read you can pass them on or underline your favourite parts (I can’t help it!) and keep them to read again. Zero waste maximum pleasure presents. I hope you love these.

1) THE LOST WORDS by Robert Macfarlane

Just a breathtakingly beautiful book that was created this year in a bid to bring the natural world back into our children’s lives.

As words were literally removed from the Oxford English dictionary recently, to make way for computer jargon and tech speak, this book was inspired to hold onto the magic of each word, and the world it came from. Adults and children alike will adore this reverie of a book with poetry and drawings and a magical journey.

The latest from perhaps my favourite writer of all time. It’s been called immersive, beautiful and an homage to The Great Gatsby, and I can’t wait to fall into it curled up on the sofa over the holidays. If you haven’t come across him before I would pop this under the tree for yourself.

The follow up to her debut, The Flavour Thesaurus, which showed you how what to cook, this is just as indispensable to a kitchen in showing you how one dish leads to another.

As Ottlenghi says “it uncovers the very syntax of cooking”. Not a regular cookbook at all, this is part chat manual, part journey and partly a very clever way of guiding the reader through the underpinnings of creating recipes. For those wanting to be less rigid in their recipe following, this teaches you how to put things together using the principles that never fail her. A must have for my stocking, and a winner for all those tricky to buy for friends, I feel like I’ll never stop pouring over it.

An empowering manual for any child growing up today, by the mindset author Matthew Syed, this is designed to build resilience in kids, fulfil their potential and become a successful, happy grown up. Feels like any young child would gain a huge amount from this, particularly any struggling with confidence at all or having a tricky time for whatever reason. My oldest has this in his stocking and I hope Christmas morning will be spent in my bed with this.

Funny, clever and insightful they say about this. A motivational feel-good read that teens and parents of teens are in need of. The potential to reframe situations and mindsets, at a time when the pressure on children can be enormous.

The National Geographic annual always gets my kids sitting together and eye goggling over the strange and bizarre of the world around us. The original 5, 000 Awesome Facts (About Everything) is still shelled out often. It’s never a bad one to have on hand in the present drawer as most children would love this. Good one for godchildren too.

Poetry can be a tough one to get round to, and this seems to be a decent intro for children, or a nice idea to read one each day together before bed. This lovely book has some of the old classics from Auden to Abraham Lincoln, special dates are recognised and the passing of the seasons, I’m excited to getting this open and read in January.

Boys and girls alike will be inspired by these stories of women who did amazing things inter field, who were told they couldn’t, but did it anyway. Inspiring, informative and really beautiful, my 9 year old will love these stories.

And finally one for the grown ups, for you, your husband / partner / sibling / parent, I think it’s a real treat for most people to get a book and everyone needs a fabulous escape into William Boyd’s world. This is history, romance and travel, “an international saga of love, music, missed opportunities and revenge”, I always love WB.

UNDER £30 and not just for Christmas!

Any secret Santa office presents, all the teachers, sisters, in laws, anyone you need to have a few ideas ready for in case of unexpected presents needed, these are all lovely presents I’d like all year round.

GETTING SMASHED

Card games are obligatory for long dark afternoons, or travelling, or just for a family non screen moment! And this is snap but with Avocados so I kinda love it.

I bought one of these steel chiller rods in the summer and was blown away by how simple and effective it was at keeping drinks cold forever. It’s such a great present I thought we needed the Christmas version complete with foil opener, champagne stopper and pouch to keep it safe. For all those party hosts, or tricky stockings:

A great cheeseboard is an essential for long Christmas meals, or as a great hostess gift, fabulously instant option for a lunch when no-one wants to cook anymore, any which way it’s a winner. This small business has curated some beautiful British, artisanal cheeses, there are chutneys and biscuits to add and its all delivered to your door. From small, medium and feed everyone a luxurious cheese feast, you can find one for all crowds. We may be living off these.

I’m always asked about this tray when I cook in Stories. I now have three sizes of these Oxo non-stick baking trays, nothing sticks, they’re not coated in horrible things and they’re sturdy, great gold-ish colour and seem to be pretty indestructible given the burnished offerings that have died in mine. Self filling stockings are the way forward!

3-5 days fresher than any supermarket offerings, this lovely small business in Cornwall supplies all he best hotels and restaurants in town, so you’d be smart to get a slice of their action at normal people prices.

They’ve put together amazing Christmas options from Buffet boxes to gift, or make your party sparkle, or just have on hand for quick, fresh meals all through the holidays:

They also have my top tip for a stress free Christmas, the Kid’s Omega 3 Box, £45 which has 40 portions of ready to go homemade fish meals made by their chef. Fish Pie, Fishcakes, Breaded Fingers, Salmon Mac n Cheese and little fillets to pan fry with a lovely butter. They even have a bottle of Milly’s Kidchup which made it for me! This gem has saved my bacon on week’s where I’m not on my A game for teatime feeding

A voucher from the best there is at Leith’s Cookery School, where I did an evening class 6 years ago. Used to buy some books, some lovely knives or to go on a cooking course. They do evening classes, online or professional:

I bought one of these steel chiller rods in the summer and was blown away by how simple and effective it was at keeping drinks cold forever. It’s such a great present I thought we needed the Christmas version complete with foil opener, champagne stopper and pouch to keep it safe. For all those party hosts, or tricky stockings:

I came across Kinta Loma when they had just started up over here, and I’ve been stuck them ever since. Not just the most delicious Colombian brew, for proper coffee drinkers, but fair-trade, ethical, family company with compostable pods too!

Give someone a membership of the Soil Association to help improve the food we all eat, and get updates every month on what you’re doing to help the environment, a super easy way to make a big difference:

Making a batch of gorgeous soap is going to be your new favourite thing. Promise its not hard, (I am not crafty at all), and you can make them full of good things and lovely smells, then wrap them up so prettily!

Just the BEST kitchen gadget invented that started my cooking revolution, it means nothing ever goes to waste as it always turns into a smoothie or ice cream in the mighty Vitamix (really does last forever, I’ve had mine for 15 years still going….)

It’s expensive but it does the job like no other and I have used mine at least once a day making it approx 1pence per use!

Mongolian fair-trade cashmere meets high fashion, all of the jumpers form Stripe + Stare are to die for but this bell sleeve is a great combo of cosy and chic, for at home as well as laid back luxe if you’re out and about: 20% off entire site with code: LIZZIE20

This is top of my list (not in my kitchen sadly). Old school shove and pulp juicers are out. A Masticating Juicer is the future. It means you are cold pressing essentially and therefore more of the good stuff stays in your drink.

You can also add dried petals, lavender etc go wild, they can be the prettiest little thoughtful presents that will be so much appreciated.

STROKABLE PANTS

Stripe + Stare classic gift box of 4 pretty pants with 20% off using code: LIZZIE20. Made from softest stretchy modal that uses 95% less water than cotton production, made from sustainable Austrian beechwood, classic stripes, hearts, monogrammed, with flirty messages and pinks or pretty animals. Anything goes and it’s all VPL free.

We had these growing up and I was lucky enough to get two as wedding presents which are used daily, and adored. Cooking in stoneware means you avoid any metallics coating your food, and makes for a way more even cook.

I hate the expression anti-ageing, because that seems to be anti living, but this Rose Quartz Face roller has all those credentials. But what made me fall in love was the incredible refreshing, cooling feeling over an oil or serum, it de-puffs, drains and smooths the face.

I have used this twice a day, every day since it came into my hands a few months ago and it is magic. Hydrating nectar with epidermal growth factors that truly smooth out lines. It is made by hand in small batches in the US, and they don’t stick around long, so grab a bottle or a mini while they’re here:

A beauty of a carafe wth an oak stopper, to fill with wine, or to use as the water holder, with added charcoal sticks so you never have to buy bottled (plastic) water again. Take the chlorine out, and adds minerals, I’m hooked:

Handmade in Portugal I love all things Esska for everyone, but men’s shoes can be so tricky, and she gets these so right plus a spare pair of laces to play with too. 30% off with code: TICKITOFFYOURLIST Esska for Men

HOMEMADE VODKA / GIN

A set of 1 litre glass kilner bottles will tick off lots of presents in one – you can fill with Lemon rinds and gin or vodka or for cooking, some chilli and rosemary topped with olive oil. The bottles will be loved and re-filled and used for picnics forever more!

One of the most demotivating things is a stash of blunt, mist mash knives ti get your cook on. A block sitting on your worktop will get you fired up in the kitchen. I won these in a raffle a few years ago and love them.

ECO LUXE BEAUTY

Because if you look hard enough eco beauty can be effective and beautifully luxurious.

For the clean beauty novice as well as those who’ve been on it for a while, my latest discoveries as well as trusty staples, these all hang out in my bathroom:

WINTER SUN – A NATURAL FAKE

The first all natural, organic fake tan fresh from Santa Monica, the sun experts. Chocolate Sun comes in three options, I go for medium, and it is the real deal, non streak, no weird smelling gunk and orangeness, just a faint cocoa buttery gorgeousness and a proper glowing tan everywhere!

Their Stellar Balm is the perfect stocking filler for everyone to rub on all dry patches and leave lips glistening without eating a load of chemicals. I almost forgot the Collagen Boost Moisturiser is a fabulous daily moisturiser with a bit of oomph.

No more plastic pumps full of washing liquid, there are a new era of beautiful soaps to wash with instead that don’t leave you feeling parched and robbed of moisture:

Lovely sister-founded brand By Sarah London who believe in transparency so much all ingredients are written on the front, have a lovely Christmas Wellbeing set, bath salts and body oil for relaxing evenings with lovely treats, and I’ve got a special code for you to get 15% off LIZZIE15:

For him and her: Get glowy for Christmas with this brilliant exfoliator scrub that leaves my face feeling truly polished and ready to suck up the hydration. TOP TIP: It says for him but it is for you too I promise.

A British label that is punching high in the skincare world but with really great price tags. This nighttime oil is a dream, it has regenerative retinyl, alongside calming, hydrating and evening skin tone properties. Pretty much perfection for the night.

We played this on lots of car journeys last year and it looks even better this version. Clever mini box game covering all levels from Peppa Pig to Thomas Edison, we’re supposed to know more of the adult stuff….

Winner of the Book of the year, this is in my boy’s stocking and it’s meant to be an inspirational read. Bite size or a read all day, it looks the perfect Christmas accompaniment when the grown up s are watching too much tv!

These hand-poured in London candles, Lost In Scent, have such a romantic provenance from travels in wonderful places. And they have just released HIMALAYA, with my favourite deep winter scents of Oud, Vetiver and Sandalwood.

And they are giving £1 of every candle to the charity Childhope so you’re giving twice.

THE HEALTH JUNKIE

Give some tricks and gadgets to keep you all healthy next year, instead of filling up the cupboards with pointless stuff.

IN THE MOOD FOR EVERYTHING

Changes the vibe in a room faster than anything else, an oil diffuser is not just a delicious addition to your home but its the best thing for kids rooms when they’re congested, uplifting when you’re knackered and add lavender oil to soothe when you’re ready for bed. This is a nice selection of 6 oils to start off with.

If you’re intrigued by the gorgeous green stuff or you’re hooked and you want to get it on at home, here is some kit to make a Matcha Latte the easiest thing to knock up at home and keep you going in the afternoon for a cosy drink when coffee is not working out.

I finally got this a couple of months ago (when I realised they existed under £50) and it has changed my desk life beyond measure. Turning all milks into a creamy dream ( I use it for Rebel Kitchen’s DF ones and they work a treat) and matchas, added powders all go in to power up your lattes. This now comes in my weekend bag if I’m away too.

This is Apple Cider Vinegar like no other, with the Mother. Which means it is still alive and fermenting and the perfect addition to your morning routine, in warm water. Take a shot neat if you’re in need of a gut lining brilliance. Or just in dressings like regular people. Every kitchen needs this, and the flavour is fabulous.

The only way to juice these days, that ensures more vitamins and minerals remain intact is the masticating juicer. This is an amazing value option and perfect if you fancy a celery juice morning ritual…

A dry brush is an easy way to upgrade your bath or shower time routine to add some massive lymphatic drainage benefits, help with cellulite and keep everything as soft and smooth as ever. I’m a daily brusher now and it’s a quick addition that makes a huge difference.

This beautiful brand of magical adaptogenic concoctions was created when the founder needed an extra kick to get her through the day. Thyroid support, hormone balancers and energy enhancing, choose the one that echoes your needs and then try a few more, they are a fabulous add on to any smoothie, latte etc.

When do you get to book time out at home, to go and lie down and have a massage from a pro….Book one for you, your husband, your friend who needs a treat, it’s so much more straightforward when they arrive at your house, with the table, theft and you can choose your candles and your own music. I’ve had two in 2 months and already thinking of the next. Therapy at home is bliss!

I’ve got a 20% Discount which makes it cheaper than going anywhere too:

THINGS TO DO (NOT JUST MORE THINGS)

All of these could be snuck into an advent calendar, so there are treats to do each day as you go, or just present son the big day.

Without sounding too Hallmark, it’s so lovely to give people things to do, make some memories together over the holidays, not just filling the house with more things! They take up no space and will be with you forever!

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS BALLET

DEC 3rd

Magical Ballet performance of The Nutcracker LIVE from The Royal Opera House.

I’ve never taken my daughter to the ballet and am so excited to sit in our local cinema and watch it as though we were from row in Covent Garden. So good to plan some things alone with kids too.

Book fast it’s on DECEMBER 3rd

Christmas at Kew Gardens is a fairytale of light shows with orchestrated music, like the most magical firework show you’ve bent, with mulled wine and mince pies. We went for the first time last year and booked early to go again. All three children loved it too (10 down to 4) – writing their hopes on the wishing tree made me cry, you’ve been warned!

One day we will do this, I’ve heard so many stories of how utterly magical it is. A 3 or 4 day trip to Lapland, all organised for you, including a husky ride, all the arctic gear to wear, delicious meals, seeing the aurora, meeting Santa and all in the winter wonderland of Santa’s homeland. Have a look at the pictures it looks amazing.

Eating is doing in my book, and producing a beautiful array of the tastiest, freshest fish around Christmas would be such a perfect present, or to have in your fridge to feed the masses staying with you if you’re hosting.

A fresher fish you will not find from this eco and sustainability led small biz in Cornwall – they are at least 3 days fresher than the supermarket’s offerings by going straight from market to delivery – and everything I have tried has been heavenly.

If you fancy a Christmas night out you’d be doing some good if you picked form the 300 Restaurants in London that are signed up to Street Smart. An initiative that has raised more than £8 million so far for the UK homeless charities at Christmas.

FOR THE KIDS

(That Last longer than a month):

And may stop them asking for screens……

UNDERWATER CAMERA

A friend’s daughter had this on our summer holidays and it’s been on my list since as an amazing present for kids into photography, to get them off their phones. It’s small, tough, waterproof and great value for high quality pics.

Adopt an Orangutan by the WWF, you can choose how much you pay a month from £3, you get updates and cuddly toys and you will be making a huge difference to this endangered species. (You can choose another animal on there, dolphins, pandas, penguins etc)

We got these last year and they are so lovely. Feels like such a treat to have a mini bottle of wine behind each window, that you savour. 24 new wines to try out which is the bonus and then champagne to celebrate the big day.

And if you have a whisky lover in your house, like I do, these 30 ml drams each day from all over the world couldn’t be a better way to get festive, either in your evening toddy or sipped over ice, they can be savoured all month and beyond.

+None of these ideas are Ads, but some contain affiliate links

Aff Links mean if you buy through them I get a very small % of the price, but the price to you is the same. I think of it as a finder’s fee and am always happy to use these when fashion bloggers find my outfits. xxx

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I'm Lizzie King, and I make deliciously easy, super healthy food for babies, children and families. All my recipes are naturally gluten, sugar and mainly dairy free. I'd love to hear what you think of my work, so leave me a comment below.

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ABOUT ME

Lizzie King

I'm Lizzie King, and I make deliciously easy, super healthy food for babies, children and families. All my recipes are naturally gluten, sugar and dairy free. I live in London with my husband and 3 children.